Hope always returns when a new SA20 season begins, but Joburg Super Kings fans know better than to celebrate too early. After another playoff exit against the Paarl Royals last season, the focus has already shifted to the Joburg Super Kings Retained Players 2027 and how the franchise plans to build a squad capable of finally lifting its maiden SA20 trophy.
With the tournament set to begin on January 17, 2027, and Joburg Super Kings opening their campaign on January 18, retention decisions will play a crucial role in shaping the team’s prospects. While Cricket South Africa has not officially announced the retention list, this article predicts the players most likely to stay based on recent performances, squad continuity, existing contracts, and the Super Kings’ long-term team-building philosophy.
Joburg Super Kings Predicted Retained Players 2027
Disclaimer: The official SA20 2027 retention list has not been announced by Cricket South Africa. The Joburg Super Kings retained players 2027 listed below are predictions based on recent performances, franchise continuity, age profile, and the Super Kings’ long-term team-building philosophy.
The 2026 season was heavily disrupted by injuries, with several first-choice players missing crucial matches at different stages of the tournament. Despite another playoff exit, JSK are expected to back the core of the squad that has consistently delivered when fit rather than opting for major changes ahead of SA20 2027.
- Faf du Plessis (Captain)
- Donovan Ferreira
- Akeal Hosein
- Richard Gleeson
- James Vince
- Wiaan Mulder
Why These JSK Players Are Likely to Stay
With the Joburg Super Kings retention list 2027 expected to form the backbone of another title challenge, the franchise is likely to prioritize continuity over wholesale changes. Retaining proven performers also aligns with the Super Kings’ philosophy of backing experienced leaders, maintaining a strong South African core, and using overseas slots on players who consistently deliver.
Leadership & Continuity
Faf du Plessis remains the heartbeat of Joburg Super Kings both on and off the field. With Stephen Fleming no longer involved, replacing an established captain would force another leadership reset, something franchises rarely pursue unless absolutely necessary. JSK are more likely to retain a proven leader who continues to perform at a high level.
The Future of the South African Core
Donovan Ferreira represents everything franchises look for in a modern T20 cricketer. His ability to bat, bowl, field, keep wickets, and potentially captain the side makes him a long-term asset around whom JSK can continue building their South African core.
Super Kings System Player
Akeal Hosein has become an integral part of the Super Kings ecosystem across multiple leagues. Beyond his left-arm spin, his experience and understanding of the franchise’s playing philosophy make him an ideal player to guide younger teammates while providing tactical flexibility.
Reliable Overseas Stability
James Vince offers something every successful T20 side needs, consistency at the top of the order. While explosive players often grab headlines, dependable run-scorers provide the stability that allows aggressive batters around them to play with freedom.
Death Overs Specialist
Richard Gleeson possesses the skill set that is difficult to replace in franchise cricket. His ability to generate swing with the new ball and execute at the death gives JSK a dependable overseas pace option, making continuity the logical choice after an impressive campaign.
Balance Through an All-Rounder
Wiaan Mulder adds balance in every department without forcing the team to compromise elsewhere. His ability to contribute with both bat and ball gives the coaching staff greater flexibility in team selection, making him a valuable retention heading into another SA20 season.
JSK Retained Players Analysis (Predicted)
- Faf du Plessis
Despite an injury-interrupted 2026 campaign, Faf du Plessis remains the obvious choice to continue leading Joburg Super Kings. With Stephen Fleming no longer involved, another leadership reset would be unnecessary when the franchise already has a proven captain who continues to perform at the highest level. Across his SA20 career, Faf has scored 1,029 runs in 40 innings at an average of 32.15 and a strike rate of 144, including one century and seven half-centuries. Even after missing most of last season, he still managed 135 runs in five matches.
Retention Probability: Very High (95%).
- Donovan Ferreira
Donovan Ferreira has evolved into one of the most complete T20 cricketers in the competition and looks every bit a future JSK captain. His ability to bat, bowl, keep wickets and field at a high level makes him one of the franchise’s most valuable local players. Despite battling injuries, he contributed 103 runs and five wickets in nine matches last season, while his overall SA20 record stands at 555 runs in 32 innings at a strike rate of 155.
Retention Probability: Very High (95%).
- James Vince
James Vince continues to provide the stability every successful T20 side needs at the top of the order. Having stepped in as captain during Faf du Plessis’ absence, he once again showcased his experience and reliability in pressure situations. Vince finished the 2026 season with 263 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 152, reinforcing his reputation as one of JSK’s safest overseas investments.
Retention Probability: Very High (90%).
- Akeal Hosein
Akeal Hosein has become a trusted member of the Super Kings family across multiple leagues, making continuity the logical choice. His ability to control the middle overs, contribute useful runs, and mentor younger players adds value beyond his wicket tally. He claimed seven wickets in 11 SA20 matches last season, while also enjoying successful campaigns with Chennai Super Kings (8 wickets in 7 IPL matches) and Texas Super Kings (7 wickets in 4 matches).
Retention Probability: High (90%).
- Richard Gleeson
Richard Gleeson impressed throughout his debut season with his ability to swing the new ball and execute under pressure at the death. Overseas fast bowlers with those skills are difficult to replace, making him a strong retention candidate after an encouraging first campaign. He picked up nine wickets in just six matches, underlining the impact he can make when fully fit.
Retention Probability: High (85%).
- Wiaan Mulder
Wiaan Mulder gives Joburg Super Kings the balance every franchise seeks from a genuine all-rounder. Having invested significantly to acquire him, the franchise is likely to continue backing a player who strengthens both the batting and bowling departments. Mulder contributed 143 runs and nine wickets in 11 matches during the 2026 season, highlighting the all-round value he brings to the squad.
Retention Probability: High (85%).
5 Players Who Could Be Released
While the final decisions will depend on the franchise’s auction strategy, a few names from the current Joburg Super Kings squad 2027 could return to the player pool. Age, injuries, overseas slot management, and inconsistent performances are likely to influence JSK’s retention decisions.
- Rilee Rossouw
Rilee Rossouw could enter the SA20 2027 auction as JSK look to refresh their top order. Turning 37 this year and having battled injuries, he featured in just three matches last season, scoring 91 runs, but the franchise may prefer a younger, long-term option in modern T20 cricket.
- Reece Topley
Reece Topley is another player who could be released to free up a valuable overseas slot. Having not featured in a single match for JSK last season, the franchise may decide against carrying an overseas player who hasn’t yet established himself in their plans.
- Rivaldo Moonsamy
Rivaldo Moonsamy faces an uncertain future after an underwhelming campaign. He managed just 14 runs in four matches and was unable to capitalise on the opportunities presented, making him a candidate to re-enter the auction.
- Imran Tahir
Imran Tahir’s future remains one of the more intriguing decisions despite not occupying an overseas slot. The veteran leg-spinner featured in only two matches last season, and it will be interesting to see whether JSK continue backing his experience or move in a different direction.
- Michael Pepper
Michael Pepper could also find himself back in the auction after a limited first season with the franchise. Brought in ahead of the 2026 campaign, he played only three matches and scored 50 runs, leaving JSK with a decision on whether to persist or explore other options.
What Will JSK Look for at the SA20 2027 Auction?
With a strong core expected to remain intact, Joburg Super Kings are unlikely to overhaul their squad at the SA20 2027 auction. Instead, the franchise will probably focus on filling a few key gaps that improve squad balance while staying true to the Super Kings’ philosophy of backing specialists for defined roles.
- South African Top-Order Batter
One of JSK’s biggest priorities could be finding a reliable South African batter for the No. 3 position. Rilee Rossouw was expected to anchor that role, but with his future uncertain and Matthew de Villiers still developing, the franchise may look for a proven domestic batter who can slot in behind Faf du Plessis and James Vince. Ideally, the player should be capable of maintaining a strike rate above 150 while counterattacking if an early wicket falls.
- Overseas Specialist
Assuming James Vince, Akeal Hosein, and Richard Gleeson occupy three overseas slots, JSK could use the remaining spot on a genuine T20 specialist. Rather than another conventional batter or bowler, the ideal player would be someone who can finish innings at a strike rate above 150 while also contributing a couple of overs, providing greater flexibility in South African conditions.
- Local Spinner
A quality South African spinner could be another important target to strengthen the squad. While Akeal Hosein remains the first-choice option, a dependable local spinner would allow JSK to rotate their overseas combination based on conditions without weakening the bowling attack. It would also reduce the need to rely on an overseas spinner in every match.
- Middle-Order Wicketkeeper
Although Donovan Ferreira is more than capable of keeping wickets, his all-round abilities are better utilised as a batter and bowling option. Signing a specialist wicketkeeper who can also strengthen the middle order would give the coaching staff greater tactical flexibility while allowing Ferreira to focus on impacting games in multiple departments.
How Many Joburg Super Kings Retained Players 2027 Can the Franchise Keep?
Ahead of the Joburg Super Kings Retained Players 2027 announcement, every franchise must follow Cricket South Africa’s retention guidelines before entering the SA20 auction. These rules are designed to maintain competitive balance while allowing teams to preserve a strong core from previous seasons.
Under the current SA20 retention rules, each franchise can retain or pre-sign a maximum of six players before the auction. Those six spots can include up to three South African players and three overseas players, ensuring every squad maintains a healthy balance between local talent and international experience.
In addition to these six retentions, franchises are also permitted one wildcard signing, whose fee sits outside the salary cap. Each squad can consist of 19 players, including at least nine South African players, two Under-23 South African rookies, and a maximum of seven overseas players.
